Art Room by OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen: Innovative Brussels Art Space

Located in Brussels, Belgium, the Art Room designed by OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen exemplifies minimalist residential architecture combined with functional art-focused design. Completed in 2021, this 70 m² extension transforms a steeply sloped garden into a serene and immersive environment dedicated to appreciating a private art collection. The project seamlessly connects two different levels of the villa, creating a dynamic interplay between interior and exterior spaces.

Spatial Design and Concept

The Art Room is conceived as a single, large, multifunctional space, offering an uncluttered environment that emphasizes the artwork it houses. Its location on a steep slope allows the room to bridge the villa’s street-level and garden-level access. On the upper side, a sliding door opens to a steel platform with a spiral staircase, guiding visitors from the street down to the lower garden. The opposite side features a large window that frames a roofed terrace overlooking the lush garden, creating an effortless connection with nature and extending the indoor experience outdoors.

Architectural Features and Materials

A defining feature of the space is its reflective, inclined roof, carefully designed to follow the natural slope of the site. This innovative design creates a gap between the simple concrete box and the angled roof, inviting soft, natural light into the double-height interior. The result is a tranquil, light-filled atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional artist’s atelier. The interior’s clean lines, raw concrete surfaces, and thoughtful use of natural light reinforce the minimalist aesthetic while highlighting the artwork without distraction.

Structural and Technical Details

The project demonstrates a high level of technical precision. The structural engineering was handled by Forme & Structure, ensuring that the concrete structure integrates seamlessly into the slope. Lighting advisor Chris Pype contributed to a lighting design that complements the natural daylight, enhancing the presentation of the art collection. Allaert Aluminium provided custom solutions for the sliding doors and window frames, reinforcing the project’s modern yet timeless material palette.

Design Philosophy

The Art Room embodies the principles of contemporary residential and cultural architecture by merging functional requirements with an elegant, minimalist approach. The double-height space with its shed roof typology references traditional ateliers while responding to a modern context, demonstrating how a simple intervention can redefine the relationship between interior, exterior, and landscape.

All photographs are works of Bas Princen